Admittedly religion is a mess but when we search and search and find the Treasure, suddenly we see beyond our messes to a God who loves us in our mess but too much to leave us there.

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Only One risen Saviuor

There is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved - Jesus

Friday, 26 December 2014

The Wisemen Part 1

We will take a short break from Romans today. I want to take this opportunity to share with you the story of the wise men. There are many theories about who they might be but the truth is the Bible leaves no doubt and it is an incredible story.

There are three major religions that trace their roots to one man - Abraham. Many know he had 2 sons, Ishmael and Isaac, but few remember he remarried when Sarah died and had several more sons who are all named in Genesis 25. The grandsons are also named. Then we are told Isaac remained in Canaan since the promised land and the Promised Seed that was to bless all the nations was to come through Isaac. Abraham sent his other sons eastward to the land of the east. The land of the east is any land on the east side of the Jordan River. Three names that stand out in the list of sons and grandsons sent eastward were Midian, Sheba, and Ephah.

Jesus said that "Abraham longed to see His day and he saw it and was glad". What that bold statement of Jesus means is that Abraham fully understood Who the Seed would be and why He was coming. On Mount Moriah in Genesis 22 Abraham understood that the Ram caught in the thicket by its horns that took Isaac's place on the altar was the only begotten son of God. When Abraham remarried and had more children he was a profoundly different person. He raised his boys with a passionate intimate knowledge of gospel, the good news that Jesus would come and bless all the nations as the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the whole world.

Tomorrow we will continue this amazing story and I will share with you a prophecy from Isaiah about the wise men that still amazes me every time I read it.